AFRICA ECO RACE: Harley Pan America-riding Pedrero ninth after four stages of Africa Eco Race
Words and images courtesy AER and Harley-Davidson
245kg motorcycle? Pedrero makes light work of heavy going in Stage 4. Pic by Alessio Corradini
V-twin thunder in the sand tracks on Stage 3 of this year’s AER. Pic by Tim Buitenhuis, Rally Tracks
After four stages of the 2025 Africa Eco Race, Spaniard, Joan Garcia Pedrero (45) is lying ninth overall in the bike competition, and tops the Maxitrail (+1000cc) category, (riding a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), an ‘adventure touring’ street bike.
That is almost double the weight of the purpose-built rally bikes the rest of the field are riding!
Pedrero, a former Dakar Rally regular who has ridden for KTM, Sherco and Yamaha, is no stranger to racing a Harley in the desert…
Pedrero starts one of the stages in the 2024 Africa Eco Race. Pic courtesy Harley-Davidson
He shocked the establishment by racing and finishing the 2022, 1500-mile, 1000 Dunas Raid aboard a virtually stock Pan America – the model Harley had launched in 2021.
The only changes to the; 245kg, 150bhp, 1250cc, liquid-cooled, v-twin, were the fitting of the mount for the roadbook.
Also a change to more suitable Michelin Anakee Wild trail tyres!
Pedrero has been collaborating with Harley-Davidson since, and during, this time – he has pushed this ‘adventure tourer’ to the limit on many occasions.
The Pan America takes the biggest dunes and softest sand in its stride during the 2024 AER. Pic courtesy Harley-Davidson
Races & Challenges of the Africa Eco Race.
Throughout 2023, the Dakar pro rider took part in many races and challenges across Europe with the Pan America 1250.
Including the Basella Race, where he successfully finished in sixth position in the overall category.
In April, he competed in the demanding Baja Extremadura race, where he achieved outstanding results and dominated the Maxi Trail category.
Winner’s spoils, the MaxiTrail trophy for Pedrero at the 2025 Africa Eco Race. Pic courtesy Harley-Davidson
In July he completed the Baja Aragón España race, again winning in the Maxi Trail category.
In 2024 he won the Maxitrail category of the Africa Eco Race and was 25th in the overall standings.
Harley must have been delighted that Pedrero showcased the extreme capabilities of the Pan America 1250 in the 16-day marathon.
It embodies the spirit of adventure that is part of the American motorcycle brand’s DNA!
Exceeded Expectations!
Equipped with the Revolution Max 1250 engine, Pedrero exceeded expectations and showed what the motorcycle was truly capable of.
Very few adjustments were made to the motorcycle for entry into the race.
Making it an almost fully-stock model, with the only changes being a slight modification to the radiator.
To better compete in the extreme conditions of the desert!
Fans at last year’s Baja Aragon loving Pedrero and his bellowing Harley. Pic courtesy Harley-Davidson
After Pedrero’s success, Kolja Rebstock, Harley-Davidson Regional Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, was moved to say;
“We are thrilled with the result of this race and the incredible performance from Joan Pedrero. Our brand is rooted in adventure and performance, and the Pan America completing this race is a fantastic example of how we are continuing to go beyond expectations by pushing technology and performance limits.”
Pedrero at speed in the Baja Aragon. Pic courtesy Harley-Davidson
Still racing a near-standard Pan America, Pedrero also had an impressive ride the Baja España Aragón 2024, known for its demanding route.
Also took part in similar demanding competitions such as the, Bassella Race and the Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura.
Where he took first place in each Maxi Trail classification!
Now Pedrero is back again at this year’s Africa Eco Race…
With the most unlikely of rally raid motorcycles in this gruelling competition!
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